Letter in the Nancy Guthrie case: Kidnappers claim the 84-year-old has died

Investigators in the US state of Arizona had previously assumed that Nancy Guthrie had been kidnapped. "Die Ermittler im Bundesstaat Arizona gehen von einer Entführung aus", the networks reported. "Die herzkranke und auf Medikamente angewiesene Nancy Guthrie war zuletzt am Abend des 31. Jänner gesehen worden. Seither ist sie spurlos verschwunden." Surveillance cameras at her home in Arizona had reportedly recorded a masked man with a handgun.

Investigators assume a kidnapping

The second letter, which was addressed to US media, was followed by a direct response from the family. "Es handle es sich um eine bereits vor Monaten verschickte Nachricht, die auf ein mutmaßliches Erpresserschreiben inklusive einer Lösegeldforderung folgte." The family had initially not publicly responded to the letter, the networks reported further. It was not until early February 2026 that Savannah Guthrie addressed the alleged kidnappers in a brief video on Instagram.

In the video, the host made an emotional appeal to the perpetrators. "Wir haben Ihre Nachricht erhalten, und wir haben verstanden", Savannah Guthrie said. "Wir flehen Sie jetzt an, uns unsere Mutter zurückzugeben." She also stated, according to NBC News, that the family was ready to "zahlen" for the return of their mother.

Family responded with emotional appeal

According to NBC News, the second letter contained neither an apology nor a financial demand for the return of the body. The family had previously offered a reward of one million US dollars. "Die Familie hat eine Belohnung von einer Million Dollar (etwa 870.000 Euro) für hilfreiche Hinweise ausgelobt", the networks reported. US President Donald Trump and the federal police FBI also became involved in the case. "Auch Präsident Donald Trump und die Bundespolizei FBI schalteten sich in den Fall ein", it was said.

Investigators had initially assumed, according to CNN information, that both letters – the first alleged extortion letter and the second – came from the kidnappers. CNN and NBC News had waited to publish the information at the request of law enforcement authorities and the family, "so that future communications from the kidnappers could be authenticated".

Reward and investigations continue

The case had caused a nationwide stir in the USA. "Guthries Schicksal sorgte in den USA landesweit für Aufsehen", the networks wrote. According to reports, Nancy Guthrie suffers from a heart condition and is dependent on medication. Her state of health makes the case particularly explosive in the assessment of observers.

The networks cited sources familiar with the matter as well as investigative circles for their information. The contents of the letters have not yet been independently confirmed. Official bodies have not publicly commented on the authenticity of the second message. The investigations in Arizona are ongoing.

The identity and whereabouts of the authors of the letters remain unknown. The question of whether the authors are actually involved in the case also remains open. The authorities say they are examining every lead, including possible connections between the two letters. The FBI is supporting the investigations on the ground in Arizona with additional resources.

The family had repeatedly appealed publicly to the kidnappers in recent weeks to make contact. Savannah Guthrie stressed in her statements that the family would cooperate. The reward of one million dollars remains posted, according to the family.

After the second letter became known, users on social media reacted with dismay. Numerous comments expressed sympathy with the family. Colleagues of Savannah Guthrie from US media also expressed being affected and called for a complete investigation.

The background of the alleged kidnapping remains unclear. Neither a motive nor possible connections of the perpetrators to the family have been publicly known so far. Investigators are asking the public for tips that could help clarify the case.